Tefft, who was in Ukraine from 2009 to 2013 and previously
served as ambassador to Georgia, would be taking the post at a
time when the U.S. and Russia are at odds over Ukraine.

The U.S. and European Union have imposed sanctions on
companies and individuals tied to Russian President Vladimir
Putin’s inner circle following Russia’s incursion and annexation
of Crimea in March. The U.S. and EU, threatening further
sanctions, have accused Putin’s government of supporting
separatists battling Ukrainian forces and threatening the
stability of the government in Kiev.